Since the age of four.
What were your musical influences?
I'm a soul babe, very old style. As a youth I grew up listening to a lot of Aretha Franklyn and Stevie Wonder tunes.
Who did you impersonate as a kid?
I used to love impersonating Aretha Franklin's "Respect" and Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody" with a hairbrush infront of a mirror. I mean, who didn't do stuff like that?
Can you remember when you first sang in public?
Oh gosh yes! Even though I was only four, I can remember it so well. I was such a shy child so the thought of singing infront of all of these people freaked me out! I remember looking at all of these faces and all of these faces looking at me. Then my legs began to shake and I opened my mouth but nothing would come out, so I closed my eyes and pretended to be somewhere else and sang.
What kind of feeling does it give you now?
I love it! There's nothing better than having a good crowd that you can get a buzz off. When your crowd is up and jumping, it makes you want to get up and jump more!
How would you describe your style of music?
Iit's groovy, sunny and full of energy, at times a little melancholic.
How did you come to work with Robyx?
His sister Viviana had heard me by chance singing in a disco with my group and told him about me. The following evening he came to hear me and asked if I would like to go into the studio to do some demos.
Had you heard about Robyx before this?
Yes I had: Robyx had been a famous dance singer in the 80's. He sang as the pseudonym "Savage".
Like the title of your song, what is the music you like?
I love all kinds of different music. As an artist, I think that it's important to open up and take a look around at different styles of music. Even though I love soul, I think I found my calling with dance because it's fresh and uplifting. I have the best fun with dance music and it's so exciting to be able to get people to dance to your music!
As a singer do you think your job is to educate or entertain?
My songs are very popular. They're made to make people have fun and to enjoy themselves. However, there's always an autobiographical side to the song with a message I like to transmit. Seeing as though I write the lyrics, I'm always able to write a bit about myself in each and every song.
What was your most moving on stage experience?
It has to be my very first Festivalbar. I sang infront of 300.000 people: that's more than Oasis at Knebworth!!!
Is there a period of music that you like the most?
The fab 70's. There was so much new stuff going on, but mainly because I love the disco music from this period.
In which direction of music are you heading?
I'm going more popish and universal.
What is your aim?
To become so popular to one day be able to do a mega gig with a big band. It's always been one of my greatest desires to sing accompanied by scores of musicians.
How much time do you put into the words of songs?
It really depends. I think a lot when I'm travelling. If I have the inspiration, I can write the lyrics within an hour, otherwise it could take me a day or up to a week. It all depends on how I'm feeling at that moment in time.
You're married to Sony. How's it going?
Great! It's great to be part of such a professional team like Sony. They look after me and spoil me rotten when i'm touring with them!
How important is duplicating your european success in America to you?
Very! For a singer who has grown up listening to Aretha Franklin, it would be the best thing that could happen.
What is your relationship with your fellow singing colleagues?
A great respect for one another. People have always said that there used to be a certain rivalry between artists. Everything has changed nowadays: instead artists want to collaborate, do duets, swap ideas and (why not?) To have a good time together.
What is it about the record market that you like the most?
I could not really say. I love to travel, so I'm always on tour in different parts of the world. It's so emotional to step foot in a country where you have never been before. I remember my first ever concerts in America and Australia so well. In Finland. It was very special to sing at midnight with the sun still high in the sky.
How much work goes into your records?
Lots! Recording of the new album began in September 1998 and went on until July 1999: that's nearly a year! During this time I wrote all of the lyrics, I did voice try outs and sang the vocal parts, I did photo shoots and videos and I've even put together new dance steps for my shows....I've been on the go non stop!
How does the technical recording of one of your songs come about?
Usually Robyx, my producer, calls me into the studio as soon as he has an idea. That's when the first voice try outs are done with rough ideas for lyrics. From that moment on, we start to divide the tasks: while I write the lyrics, Robyx records and arranges the song. It's only in the second phase that I go into the studio again to start to record my voice, which will be the finished result. I must confess that Robyx is very meticulous: often we end up re-doing the same song over and over again until he thinks that it is perfect.
What does it feel like to return home after a tour?
It's wonderful! Sometimes I feel as though I'm living a double life. On one side there are fame, fans, autographs, areoplanes, the star system... Everything that you dream about when you're young. Then on the other side there are the family, friends, your home, your pets, the taste of simpler things... Everything that you're used to doing and having, that you defend with all your might because it's your true reference point in life.
If you had to choose between family/friends and success, would you have any doubts?
Of course not! Nothing can replace the affection from your loved ones. I'm very "mother like" in this sense.
And fans?
I've cried for them! They're the main motive behind giving the best in whatever I do. And thanks to their continual support, I have been able to overcome some difficult moments in my life.
What can a fan do if he/she wants to get in contact with you or to find out about your tour plans?
I have an official site, the one of my record company: www.dwarecords.it. Fans can also write me an e-mail to the address: artists@dwarecords.it. And they can be sure that I will answer to all of them. There are numerous unofficial sites all across the world that are run by my many admirers. I'd like to take the advantage of thanking each and every one of them for all of the affection they give me.
